Mohammad Rabi’u Rikadawa, aka Dila, is one of the big names in Kannywood. In this exclusive chat with AL-AMIN CIROMA, the movie star spoke on many issues bordering on the Nigerian entertainment industry in general. Excerpts:
What is your account on the state of affairs in Kannywood at the moment?
The industry is progressing. However, there are some hitches and challenges. Today, things are done more professionally compared to what was obtainable before. The scripts are well written; and everyone is committed to give his or her best.
On the other side, we are facing many challenges in dealing with mediocrity and low budgeted projects. For many reasons, some producers are subjected to go for small scale projects where so many things are compromised. ‘So how do we tackle the menace?’ You may ask.
Simple! Viewers or rather consumers should be encouraged to always go for well packaged movies and by the time that is achieved, you will find out that only good movies will sell; and in effect producers will be forced to make good ones.
To put it in a simple language, Kannywood is quite overwhelming and with this trend, I believe the sky will not be our limit, but the starting point.
Nigerian motion picture industry is rated the second largest movie producer in the world after India’s Bollywood. In your capacity as one of the top players in Kannywood, what are the contributions of the Hausa movie industry towards achieving this great feat?
I am optimistic that the Hausa genre constitutes more than 40 per cent of the total movies produced in Nigeria. Therefore, Kannywood is one of the strong pillars that made Nollywood. We are a larger community here and millions of people within and outside the country celebrate us; they watch our movies and give us maximum support.
But when you listen to some of our colleagues speak, you may think that the film industry ends in Lagos and Enugu. But no! They should look beyond that. The Hausa speaking community are all over the continent and in the Diaspora; they subscribe to these movies produced in our local language with our local content.
Nollywood has succeeded in setting the pace for all other motion picture industries within the continent. Nigeria is a great nation with dynamic potentials, most especially in the entertainment world. I wish to announce once again that Kannywood is a strong pillar for Nigeria’s success in the world of cinema.
In your opinion, would you say that the national censors’ body and other film regulatory body are not living up to expectation?
Yes, in my humble opinion I would say NFVCB and all other national film monitoring bodies should expand their reach to the grassroots. Although we have our representatives – the Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) and other related bodies which represent Kannywood in all affairs, but we look at them as ‘jamboree’ of like-minds, or rather personal aggrandisement.
They are a union of friends and business associates, but they don’t represent us anymore. They use our names and the available medium to enrich themselves. Even as I blame the bodies for not representing the grassroots, I want to question why the filmmakers cannot come together and define for themselves some positive ideologies.
They should form formidable associations and lay their complaints appropriately. People should learn to know their rights and ways of redeeming them as at when due.
Tell us about how you juggle your life as an actor and as a family man.
Acting is a way of life. As an actor, I try as much as possible to comprehend what my director asks me to do. I could be very busy, yet I equally have time for myself and my family. When I come back home, my children who must have been missing their lovely daddy will run into my arms and so it’s always fun. Let me say, I love what I am doing and always wish to be an actor.
When not on set, I go about my normal life and I am one that opens his heart to his fans. Sometimes, it is quite stressful, fans could be naughty at times, but as a professional, I know how to go on with them. An entertainer knows that without his fans, he is a no body. Therefore, you must treat them as beloved.
My family understands me more than you think. I equally introduced my kids into the movie industry, they act too. So we are a full-fledged family of actors, I have so many upcoming stars in my family. My wife, above all gives me much comfort and the support I need. So I am happy.
Have you ever encountered any challenge as an actor?
As humans, we must undergo some challenges. Yes, there has to be some challenges here and there which are inevitable, but we always find a way of getting rid of them. Kannywood is just an example of our everyday life. We are in it and we shall conquer our ways towards achieving all stated goals insha Allah.
How do you overcome the syndrome of actors being ‘naturally wayward’?
Oh really…? (Laughter) A badly behaved person could be naughty anywhere, not only in the film industry. This is something that has to do with one's background. If you choose to be a fastidious and gentle person, you will definitely be. And if you choose to be arrogant and mischievous, you will be.
Like I said earlier, my children act too. I take them to some locations where I play my roles. So what do you think when you are amidst your family members? Would you want to misbehave? You will do everything to show the good in you, so as to convince them that what you are doing is a true way of living.
What am I trying to say? Waywardness is everywhere and good people are everywhere. It’s all about knowing yourself and doing what is right at the right time.
What was your first experience on set like?
It was normal for me because I started getting into the theatres since my childhood. So when I started with television dramas, it was really fascinating. I succeeded in overcoming my nervousness on set. Alhamdulillahi my beginning was a mild one, maybe because acting skills came naturally for me.
Can you tell us at least 10 blockbusters that brought you into limelight?
(Deep sigh) Well, ‘Jamila Da Jamilu,’ ‘Wali Jam,’ ‘Sarauta,’ ‘Balarabe Na Balaraba and ‘Ga Fili Ga Doki.’ Others are ‘Malika,’? ‘Ga Duhu Ga Haske,’ ‘Rai A Kwalba,’ ‘Baban Sadik and ‘Wasila 2003.’
What does it take to be an actor?
To be a successful actor, one has to implore deep sense of belonging and much commitment to the job. Also, you have to be patient and have the ability to comprehend and interpret your lines very well by translating the true character your director requires from you.
Who is your role model?
Any actor who delivers his lines perfectly is my role model.
We have seen a couple of Kannywood actors making ways into the Nollywood – actors like Ali Nuhu and Sani Danja. Do you also have that ambition?
As I am talking to you now, I have a couple of Nollywood scripts waiting for me. We are going to shoot some movies in English with Steve Onu and Tina Mba sometime next month in Lagos.